First Nations Technology Council and Royal Roads University celebrate partnership in education, innovation

The First Nations Technology Council and Royal Roads University are pleased to announce a partnership to ensure Indigenous innovators can access tools and training to lead and thrive in the digital age.

The partnership harnesses Royal Roads’ groundbreaking technology-enabled teaching and learning expertise to expand the Technology Council’s Foundations in Innovation and Technology (FiiT) Program from classroom to online delivery. FiiT is a comprehensive digital skills program designed to support the full, equitable participation and leadership of Indigenous peoples in the province’s fastest growing economic sector.

“This strategic initiative is an important step towards improving access to digital technology education and skills training for Indigenous peoples,” says Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “By providing people with the right training and education to work towards jobs in the tech sector, we will support the success of students, job seekers and technology companies throughout our great province, and build a strong, sustainable economy that works for everyone.”

“Values-aligned partnerships such as this represent an opportunity to advance our vision of Indigenous innovators leading and thriving in a digital age,” says First Nations Technology Council’s Executive Director Denise Williams. “We look forward to working with Royal Roads University to expand access to digital tools and training for Indigenous peoples across the province.”

"Royal Roads is excited to partner with the First Nations Technology Council to provide educational technologies and expertise for this project,” says Royal Roads University President Allan Cahoon. “As part of Royal Roads’ commitment to reconciliation, it’s an honour to support Indigenous students’ success in the digital landscape and in the workforce.”

The FiiT program will include training modules that provide skills in web development/coding, GIS/GPS Mapping, communications, software testing, network technician and office basics and professional practice skills. Royal Roads University’s Centre for Teaching & Educational Technologies will provide the tools and platform to deliver the program scheduled to launch in fall 2018.